U.S. patent number 7,996,873 [Application Number 09/584,797] was granted by the patent office on 2011-08-09 for remote management system for at least one audiovisual information reproduction device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to TouchTunes Music Corporation. Invention is credited to Jean-Marc Bourdelais, Tony Mastronardi, Guy Nathan.
United States Patent |
7,996,873 |
Nathan , et al. |
August 9, 2011 |
Remote management system for at least one audiovisual information
reproduction device
Abstract
System for remote management of at least one audiovisual
information reproduction device comprising a host server (10)
connected to each audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n), the host server (10) comprising a database (11)
containing management information for each audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), characterized in that
the host server (10) also comprises an "Internet" site manager (12)
communicating with the database (11), and comprising a number of
screens (200 to 1010), at least one first screen (200) comprising a
popup menu displaying the list of audiovisual information
reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n), validating the choice of
each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1) causing the display of a first series of screens (900,
1010) that the operator can use to modify the operating parameters
of at least one selected audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) and/or a second series of screens
(500 to 800) that the operator can use to order at least one song
for downloading onto the audiovisual information reproduction
systems (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) from a chosen list of devices
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) or to delete at least one song, and/or a
third series of screens displaying information about the use of an
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1).
Inventors: |
Nathan; Guy (Nun's Island,
CA), Mastronardi; Tony (Pierrefonds, CA),
Bourdelais; Jean-Marc (Sainte-Sophie, CA) |
Assignee: |
TouchTunes Music Corporation
(New York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
9548169 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/584,797 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2000 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jul 16, 1999 [FR] |
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99 09225 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/91; 725/116;
725/139; 725/144; 725/114; 725/100; 725/93; 725/92; 725/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
21/8113 (20130101); H04N 21/47217 (20130101); G11B
27/002 (20130101); H04N 21/4227 (20130101); H04N
21/6587 (20130101); H04N 21/25808 (20130101); G11B
27/34 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
7/173 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;725/1,5,110,118,78,80,139,141,144,146,100,91-93,114,116
;345/440,734,764,781 ;709/209-224,208 ;381/103 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Primary Examiner: Lonsberry; Hunter B.
Assistant Examiner: Chowdhury; Sumaiya A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon & Vanderhye PC
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A system for remote management of at least one audio-visual
information reproduction device comprising a central server
connected to the telecommunication means of each audio-visual
information reproduction device, the central server comprising
storage means for storing a database comprising, for each
audio-visual information reproduction device, all the management
information and all the audio-visual information available,
wherein: the database comprises all the configurations of operating
parameters of each audio-visual information reproduction device,
the central server further comprises an "Internet" site manager
communicating with the database, the "Internet" site is accessible
by an operator responsible for managing at least one audio-visual
information reproduction device, and comprising a plurality of
screens, at least one first screen comprising a drop-down menu
displaying a list of the audio-visual information reproduction
devices installed locally for which information relating to use is
available, validation of the choice of each selected audio-visual
information reproduction device causes the display of a first
series of screens allowing the modification, by the operator, of
the operating parameters of at least one audio-visual information
reproduction device, and wherein said modification of the operating
parameters is obtained by: generating a file of modification
commands by the server using information from the database sending,
via the server to the devices concerned, the file of modification
commands when the devices are connected, and receiving and
executing the file of modification commands by the devices
concerned.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein validation of the
choice, on the first screen, of each selected audio-visual
information reproduction device also causes the display of (a) a
second series of screens allowing the operator to order at least
one song to upload the audio-visual information associated with the
song to the audio-visual information reproduction systems of a
chosen list of devices or to remove at least one audio-visual
recording, and/or (b) a third series of screens displaying
management information relating to the use of an audio-visual
information reproduction device.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the third series of
screens comprises at least one screen comprising a window
displaying the list of the audio-visual information played by the
audio-visual information reproduction device as well as the date on
which each audio-visual information was played, and/or at least one
screen comprising a window indicating the date(s) on which the
audio-visual information reproduction device was switched off
and/or on, and/or a window indicating the date(s) on which
communication between the audio-visual information reproduction
device and the central server was stopped.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein information relating to
the operation of each audio-visual information reproduction device
displayed in each screen, as well as the list of audio-visual
information available, is collected by the "Internet" site manager
in the database.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the modifications
carried out by the operator in the first and/or second series of
screens are stored in a file and translated into the language of
the database in order to update the modified data in these series
of screens and to update each audio-visual information reproduction
device concerned with the modifications as soon as communication is
established between the central server and each audio-visual
information reproduction device.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the "Internet" site
manager comprises means for authenticating the operating intended
to limit access by the operator to the audio-visual information
reproduction systems that it manages.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the screens from the
first and second series of screens comprise a toolbar comprising a
plurality of select buttons triggering either the display of a
screen from the first or second series of screens, or validation of
the operations carried out on the screen currently being
displayed.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein a first select button
of the toolbar triggers the display of a third screen comprising a
first window displaying information relating to the installation of
the audio-visual information reproduction device chosen by the
operator, and a data entry zone for updating the information
displayed in the first window, if necessary.
9. The system according to claim 7, wherein a second select button
of the toolbar triggers the display of a fourth screen from the
second series of screens comprising a plurality of data entry zones
intended to define selection criteria for selecting audio-visual
information, the list of corresponding audio-visual information
being first collected from the database by sending a request from
the site manager containing the criteria chosen by the operator via
the data entry zones, and then displayed in a scrolling window of
the screen.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein validation of the
choice of a audio-visual information selected from the scrolling
window of the fourth screen triggers the display of a fifth screen
comprising a plurality of fields containing elements for
identifying the selected audio-visual information, a scrolling
window displaying a list of the audio-visual information
reproduction devices managed by the operator, a first selection
zone validating, by a request sent to the site manager, the
purchase of the selected audio-visual information for the
audio-visual information reproduction devices selected by the
operator from the scrolling window, and a second selection zone
again triggering the display of the fourth screen.
11. The system according to claim 7, wherein a third select button
of the toolbar triggers the display of a sixth screen comprising
first at plurality of fields containing information relating to the
use of the audio-visual information reproductive device chosen by
the operator, then a first and second scrolling window,
respectively, containing a list of the audio-visual information
that are to be uploaded to or removed from the audio-visual
information reproduction device chosen by the operator, and lastly
a first and second selection zone, respectively, triggering the
cancellation of the download or removal of one or more audio-visual
information selected beforehand by the operator from the first or
second scrolling window, respectively.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the second window
also comprises the list of audio-visual information already stored
on the audio-visual information reproduction device.
13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises
a magnetic or optical recording system so that the audio-visual
information selected by the operator are recorded onto a portable
magnetic or optical medium.
14. The system according to claim 7, wherein a fourth select button
of the toolbar triggers the display of a seventh screen comprising
a plurality of fields containing information relating to the usage
statistics of the information reproduction device chosen by the
operator, a first and second scrolling window, respectively,
containing a list of the audio-visual information that are the most
or the least played, respectively, on the audio-visual information
reproduction device chosen by the operator, the seventh screen also
comprises a selection zone triggering the removal of the
audio-visual information selected by the operator from the second
scrolling window.
15. The system according to claim 7, wherein a fifth select button
of the toolbar triggers the display of a screen comprising a first
series of data entry zones allowing the operator to choose, select
or enter a price by zone and a second series of data entry zones
allowing the operator to choose, select or enter, for each price,
the number of possible selections after payment of the price.
16. The system according to claim 7, wherein the eighth screen
comprises a plurality of data entry zones, making it possible to
choose, select or enter the parameters for adjusting the sound
reproduction means for the audio-visual information reproduction
device chosen by the operator.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the recording of the
audio-visual information on the portable magnetic or optical medium
is carried out in a compressed format and encrypted, the
audio-visual information being uncompressed and decrypted only when
the audio-visual information is performed on an audio-visual
information reproduction device.
18. The system according to claim 7, wherein a sixth select button
of the toolbar triggers the display of a ninth screen comprising a
window displaying all of the modifications carried out by the
operator when connected to the Internet site managed by the site
manager, a first selection zone triggering the validation of all
the operations displayed in the first window and a second selection
zone cancelling all these modifications.
19. The system according to claim 7, wherein a seventh select
button triggers the display of a screen comprising at least one
selection zone making it possible to activate or deactivate a
particular function of the audio-visual information reproduction
device.
20. The system according to claim 7, wherein an eighth button of
the toolbar triggers the display of a screen intended to define a
basic default configuration of all or some of the audio-visual
information reproduction devices managed by the operator.
21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second series of
screens comprises a screen comprising a first selection menu for
the category of audio-visual information wanted by the operator, a
second selection menu for the style of audio-visual information
wanted by the operator and a selection zone validating the choice
of the operator in order to trigger the display of a second screen
comprising a first window displaying the list of the audio-visual
information corresponding to the category and style selected by the
operator, a second window displaying the list of the audio-visual
information selected by the operator form the list in the first
window and a selection zone validating the choice of the
operator.
22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the list of displayed
audio-visual information is collected from the database from among
the most played audio-visual information on all the jukeboxes of
the operator or from among the most played audio-visual information
on all the jukeboxes managed by the server or from among the most
played audio-visual information on all the jukeboxes installed in
establishments in a given category.
23. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operating
parameters of each audio-visual information reproduction device
correspond to internal functions of each said audio-visual
information reproduction device.
24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the operating
parameters include a cost of each selection, sound settings, level
of the microphone, authorization to use a remote controller,
authorization to switch between selections during reproduction of a
selection, authorization to use free credits, and
activation/inactivation of internal functions of the audio-visual
information reproduction device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a system for the management of at least
one audiovisual information reproduction device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
International patent WO 96/12255 describes a device for
reproduction of audiovisual information commonly called jukebox.
This jukebox is organized around a system unit that manages
audiovisual reproduction means and means for memorizing at least
one audiovisual information corresponding to the soundtrack of a
song. The system unit also manages telecommunication means such as
a modem, particularly to enable downloading of audiovisual
information from a host server. Management of orders for new songs
and for changing settings requires either that an operator should
visit the site on which the jukebox is installed, or that the
operator should use a computer with a link to the host server.
Furthermore, management operations that can be performed through
the link with the host server are limited to ordering new musical
selections.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the
disadvantages of prior art by proposing a system for remote
management of intelligent audiovisual information reproduction
systems installed locally in order to limit travel necessary by the
operator to carry out management and configuration operations.
This purpose is achieved by the fact that the system for remote
management of an audiovisual information reproduction device
comprises a host server connected to telecommunication means of
each audiovisual information reproduction device, the host server
comprising storage means capable of storing a database containing
management information for each audiovisual information
reproduction device, the set of available musical selections, the
set of possible configurations for each audiovisual information
reproduction device, the system being characterized in that the
host server also comprises an "Internet" site manager communicating
with the database, the "Internet" site being accessible by an
operator responsible for the management of at least one audiovisual
information reproduction device, and comprising a number of
screens, at least a first screen comprising a popup menu displaying
the list of audiovisual information reproduction systems installed
locally for which usage information is available, the choice of at
least one audiovisual information reproduction device being
validated causing the display of a first series of screens that the
operator can use to modify the operating parameters of each
selected audiovisual information reproduction system and/or a
second series of screens that the operator can use to order at
least one song for downloading on each reproduction device in a
chosen list of devices or to delete at least one song, and/or a
third series of screens displaying information about the use of the
audiovisual information reproduction device.
According to another special feature, the "Internet" site manager
collects information about the operation of each audiovisual
information reproduction device displayed on each screen, and the
list of available songs, in the database.
According to another special feature, modifications made by the
operator in the first and/or second series of screens are stored in
a file and are translated into the database language to update the
data modified in these series of screens and update each
audiovisual information reproduction device concerned by the
modifications as soon as a communication is set up between the host
server and each audiovisual information reproduction device.
According to another special feature, the "Internet" site manager
comprises means of authentication of the operator designed to limit
the operator's access to the audiovisual information reproduction
devices that he manages.
According to another feature, the screens in the first and second
series of screens comprise a toolbar with several selection buttons
that display either a screen in the first or second series of
screens, or validate operations performed on the screen being
displayed.
According to another special feature, a first selection button in
the toolbar initiates the display of a third screen comprising a
first window displaying information about the location of the
audiovisual information reproduction device chosen by the operator,
and an input area to update the information displayed in the first
window, if required.
According to another feature, a second toolbar selection button
triggers the display of a fourth screen in the second series of
screens comprising several input areas that will be used to define
selection criteria for selecting songs, the list of songs
corresponding to the selection criterion being initially collected
in the database by the site manager sending a request containing
the criteria chosen by the operator in the input fields, and
secondly displayed in a popup window in the fourth screen.
According to another special feature, validating the choice of a
song selected in the popup window in the fourth screen triggers the
display of a fifth screen comprising several fields containing
elements identifying the selected song, a popup window displaying
the list of audiovisual information reproduction devices managed by
the operator, a first selection screen validating the purchase of
the selected song for the audiovisual information reproduction
devices selected by the operator in the popup window, by sending a
request to the site manager, and a second selection area displaying
the fourth screen again.
According to another feature, a third selection button on the
toolbar triggers the display of a sixth screen comprising a number
of fields containing information about the use of the audiovisual
information reproduction device chosen by the operator, a first
popup window containing the list of songs to be downloaded to the
audiovisual information reproduction device chosen by the operator,
a second popup window containing the list of songs to be deleted
from this audiovisual information reproduction device, a first
selection area triggering cancellation of downloading of one or
several songs previously selected by the operator in the first
popup window, and a second selection area triggering cancellation
of the deletion of one or several songs previously selected by the
operator in the second popup window.
According to another feature, a fourth toolbar selection button
triggers the display of a seventh screen comprising several fields
containing information about statistics on the use of the
information reproduction device chosen by the operator, a first
popup window containing the list of most frequently played songs, a
second popup window containing the list of least frequently played
songs on the audiovisual information reproduction device chosen by
the operator, the seventh screen also comprising a selection area
that triggers deletion of the song(s) selected by the operator in
the second popup window.
According to another feature, a fifth selection button on the
toolbar triggers the display of an eighth screen comprising a first
series of input areas that the operator can use to choose a price
for each area and a second series of input areas that the operator
can use to choose the number of possible selections after paying
the price, for each price.
According to another feature, the eighth screen comprises several
input fields used to choose, select or input the parameters
required to adjust audio reproduction means of the audiovisual
information reproduction device chosen by the operator.
According to another feature, a sixth toolbar selection button
triggers the display of a ninth screen comprising a window
displaying all modifications made by the operator at the time of
his connection to the Internet site managed by the site manager, a
first selection area triggering validation of all operations
displayed in the first window, and a second selection area
canceling all these modifications.
According to another feature, a seventh selection button triggers
the display of a tenth screen comprising at least one selection
area that can be used to activate or deactivate a particular
function of the audiovisual information reproduction device.
According to another feature, an eighth button in the toolbar
triggers the display of a screen that will be used to define a
default basic configuration of all or some of the audiovisual
information reproduction devices managed by the operator.
According to another feature, the second series of screens includes
a screen containing a first menu in which the song category
required by the operator is selected, a second menu in which the
style of the song required by the operator is selected, and a
selection area in which the operator validates his choice to
trigger the display of a second screen comprising a first window
displaying the list of songs in the first category and style chosen
by the operator, and a second window displaying the list of songs
selected by the operator in the list in the first window and a
selection area in which the operator validates his choice.
According to another feature, the list of displayed songs is
collected in the database among the most frequently played songs on
all the operator's jukeboxes or among the songs most frequently
played on all jukeboxes managed by the server or among the songs
most frequently played on all jukeboxes installed in all branches
belonging to the same determined category.
According to another feature, the second window also comprises the
list of songs already memorized on the audiovisual information
reproduction device.
According to another feature, the third series of screens comprises
at least one screen comprising a window displaying the list of
songs played by the audiovisual information reproduction device,
and the date on which each song was played, and/or at least one
screen comprising a window indicating the date(s) on which the
audiovisual information reproduction device was switched off and/or
on, and a window indicating the date(s) on which a communication
between the audiovisual information reproduction device and the
host server was interrupted.
According to another feature, the system comprises a magnetic or
optical recording system such that the songs selected by the
operator are recorded on a portable magnetic or optical medium, or
a solid state electronic memory, preferably semi-conductor
based.
According to another feature, songs are encrypted and recorded on a
portable magnetic or optical medium in a compressed format, the
songs only being decompressed and decrypted when the song is played
on an audiovisual information reproduction device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of this invention will become more
obvious after reading the following description with reference to
the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the system according to the
invention,
FIGS. 2A to 2J show examples of screens on the "Internet" site,
FIG. 3 shows an example of an audiovisual reproduction device,
FIG. 4 shows an example logic diagram showing the relations between
library modules and object modules in the operating system of the
audiovisual reproduction device,
FIG. 5 shows a simplified flow chart of the structure of a database
used by the system according to the invention,
FIGS. 6A to 6F show a detailed flow chart of the structure of a
database used by the system according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Before describing details of the remote management system for an
audiovisual reproduction device according to the invention, it is
worth mentioning the composition of an audiovisual reproduction
device and its operating mode.
FIG. 3 shows an example of an audiovisual information reproduction
device. This type of device is described in particular in
international patent application WO 96/12255 submitted by the
applicant. Preferably, but in no way restrictively, this
audiovisual information reproduction device uses the hardware
components mentioned and referenced below.
The system unit 1 with a microprocessor is a high performance PC
compatible system, the choice at the time of implementation was
made for an Intel Pentium type system with at least the following
memory means and characteristics: compatibility with the Vesa local
bus, processor cache memory: 256 kbytes, RAM memory: 32 Mbytes,
high performance serial and parallel ports, microprocessor
controlled SVGA type graphic adapter, SCSI/2 type bus controller,
self-powered static RAM memory.
Any other system unit with equivalent or better performances could
be used in the invention.
This system unit controls and manages a sound control circuit 5, a
telecommunications control circuit 4, an input control circuit 3, a
mass memory control circuit 2, and a display means control circuit
6. The display means are composed primarily of a SVGA type flat
screen, high resolution, low radiation video monitor 62 with no
interlacing. This is the monitor that will be used for image
reproduction (for example album covers for musical selections), and
to display graphics and video clips.
Storage modules 21 using high speed, high capacity SCSI type hard
disks form part of the memory means and are associated with the
memory means already existing in the microprocessor device. These
modules are used for the storage of audiovisual information.
A 28.8 kbps high speed telecommunications modem adapter 41 is
included to create the link with an audiovisual information
distribution network controlled by a host server.
For the reproduction of audio information in musical selections,
the system comprises loudspeakers 54 into which the signal from an
amplifier tuner 53 connected to a music synthesizer type electronic
circuit 5 is input, designed to accept a large number of input
sources while providing a CD (compact disk) type quality, for
example such as the microprocessor multimedia audio adapter such as
a sound card.
The audiovisual reproduction device is provided with an input
controller circuit 3 that manages a touch screen 33 including a
glass coating panel using the "advanced surface wave technology",
and an AT type bus controller. This touch screen can be used to
select various selection information used by customers, and
ordering and management control information used by the system
manager or owner, on the video monitor display 62 or on a
television screen 61. It is also used with an external keyboard 34
that can be connected to the system that is provided with a
keyboard connector for this purpose, controlled by a key lock 32
through the interface circuit 3, for maintenance purposes.
A fee payment device 35 is also connected to the input interface
circuit 3. Any other device can be used that enables reception of
any payment method by coins, tickets, tokens, smart cards or a
combination of payment means.
The system is installed in a steel frame or rack.
Apart from these elements, a cordless microphone 55 is connected to
the audio controller 5, to transform the audio controller into a
powerful public address and public information system, and possibly
a karaoke machine. The system can use a system of cordless
loudspeakers.
The operating software in the device was generated around a library
of tools and services specifically designed for the audiovisual
field in a multimedia universe. This library advantageously
includes a high performance multi-task operating system that
efficiently enables simultaneous execution of multiple code
fragments. This operating software enables concurrent and orderly
execution, thus avoiding any conflict between operations carried
out on display means, audio reproduction means and management of
telecommunication links through the distribution network.
Furthermore, this software is extremely flexible.
The operating system is shared into modules comprising a first
starter module 7 itself sub-divided into a first main program
module 70 "JUK.EXE" that verifies the memory and verifies if the
minimum number of objects necessary to enable operation of each of
the audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n)
is present; a second module 71 dynamically linked to it and
dependent on it consists of the "JUKECORE.DLL" module. The function
of this second module 71 is to contain C language libraries and to
perform the main task.
The architecture of the operating system comprises a distribution
of the different tasks into software modules connected to each
other by dynamic links or composed of executable subprograms
presenting main dependency links with other parts of the operating
system. Each of the modules is composed of object files or dynamic
link libraries organized according to a number of dependency levels
described in the attributes. The attributes of an object or a
library indicate the version number and dependencies of the object
file or the library with respect to other object files as described
below for the PARSER module. Each attribute indicates the level
assigned to the module. Thus, the JUK.EXE 70 module is a higher
level than the JUKECORE 71, TLS 72, CRDE 73, GFX 74, WDLL 75, JEEP
9 and TELECOM 10 modules, but the TELECOM 10 module depends on the
JEEP module 9 (see link 910 and it is therefore at a lower level
than JEEP 9.
Similarly, the level of JEEP 9 (see link 759) is lower than the
level of the WDLL module 75 since it is dependent on it and TLS
(link 725) is a higher level than WDLL 75. On the other hand, TLS
and GFX may be at the same level. The main task comprises a module
(JUKECORE) designed to initialize or load the module 73, the
program core "CRDE.DLL", initialize or load the graphic management
module (GFX) 74, initialize or load the library loading module
(WDLL.DLL) 75, load the telecommunication tasks Telecom module
(DLL) 10, load the TLS.DLL module 72 that contains all usages
necessary for the audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n), for telecom, time, decryption, etc., initialize
or load the library of JEEP (Juke Execution Exchange Protocol)
programs performing integrity server and loading request tasks and
the dialog with the server, and starting the program (80,
SILOAD.DLL) as the main task. The main jukebox application task
comprises a module (SILOAD.DLL) containing the loader program
library designed to verify the required dynamic link library
versions in (WDLL), to load them or call the Telecom tasks module
to perform the file transfer. The WDLL.DLL module comprises the
list of the minimum versions necessary for operation in a
(DLL.DEFAULT) file, and the list of all functions represented
either by libraries (LIBRARY) (DLL, DJL), or by object files (DJO).
Each object or library contains the list of all functions that the
library or the object needs, and version numbers and dependencies.
The WDLL module manages all new modules, controls
inter-dependencies and checks that downloaded modules do not have
any other dependencies and have been loaded with the necessary
versions. The application part 8 specific to an audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) comprises a number
of modules loaded and run by SILOAD and defining the following
display windows: a mouse signal or touch screen signal processing
module 81, a module 82 for the processing of messages exchanged
between objects and various other modules, a disk files management
module FIL.DJL 83, a disk files read-write module FILIO.DJL 84, a
module JSTRUCT.DJL 85 for supervision of all events generated by
equipment such as the touch screen, the sound card, the coin
collection equipment processing interface.
SILOAD manages loading of modules specific to the terminal task,
namely all previously enumerated DJL modules and jukebox library
modules 87 built up using WOBJECT 870 that manages the object such
as the mixer, purchases; the WCURSOR module 871 that manages cursor
movements; the DBMAPI module 872 that manages the database; the
WFONTS module 873 that manages all font types; the PARSER module
874 (syntax analysis program) that analyzes and generates screens
starting from the script and verifies the grammar using the
"GRAMMAR.DJL" module 876 and the "LEXY.DJL" module 875 that is the
lexical word functions assignment module inside the language. The
PARSER module 874 contains the following information in its file
header: char*parser_version_info=DLL_INFO DJL;" DLL-NAME
PARSER.DJL;" "VERSION 1;" "CREATOR KENDALF;" "REQUIRES
lexyy.djl;4;" "REQUIRES grammar-.djl;5";
All modules and all libraries (DJO, DLL, DJL) contain information
similar to the information in the PARSER module and this
information determines version and dependence needs.
Thus, the PARSER module needs LEXY version 4 and GRAMMAR version 5
modules otherwise it cannot be executed by the system. The double
arrows between the different modules in FIG. 4 show the order of
loading the different files. Thus, as seen above, the first step is
to load JUKE.EXE followed by JUKECORE.DLL, so that GFX.DLL,
TLS.DLL, WDLL.DLL, JEEP.DLL, TELECOM.DLL, CRDE.DLL and SILOAD.DLL
can be loaded from JUKECORE.DLL.
The single arrows show dependencies between files. Thus, the arrow
91 indicates that DJL files, and DBMAPI in particularly, are
dependent on CRDE.DLL. The arrow 93 shows that DJO files are
dependent on the WOBJECT.DJL module. The WOBJECT.DJL module itself
is dependent on the FILIO.DJL module. The arrow 92a indicates that
DBMAPI.DJL is dependent on JSTRUCT.DJL and arrow 92b indicates that
DBMAPI.DJL is dependent on WMESSAGE.DJL. The arrow 98 indicates
that JSTRUCT.DJL is dependent on the WMESSAGE.DJL file. WMESSAGE is
dependent on the MOUSE.DJL file and FILIO.DJL is dependent on the
FIL.DJL file. The XCP.DJL file is dependent on JSTRUCT.DJL as shown
by arrow 856 and on WMESSAGE.DJL as shown by arrow 826. The
JHANDLER file is dependent on WMESSAGE.DJL as shown by arrow 97 and
on JSTRUCT.DJL as shown by arrow 96. SILOOP.DLL file is dependent
on JSTRUCT.DJL as shown by arrow 95, and on WMESSAGE.DJL as shown
by arrow 94. TELECOM.DLL file is dependent on JEEP.DLL as shown by
arrow 910, and JEEP.DLL is dependent on WDLL.DLL as shown by arrow
959. File WDLL.DLL is dependent on TLS.DLL as shown by arrow 725.
Similarly, arrow 89c shows that GRAMMAR.DJL is dependent on
LEXY.DLL, and arrow 99b shows that LEXY.DJL is dependent on
PARSER.DJLL. Thus, as was seen previously, PARSER needs LEXY and
GRAMMAR to execute and version 1 of PARSER uses version 4 of
LEXY.DJL and version 5 of GRAMMAR.DJL. Similarly, WOBJECT.DJL is
dependent on PARSER.DJL as shown by arrow 99a. Thus, all modules
and all .DJO, .DLL and .DJL libraries contain information similar
to that in the PARSER module that defines the version requirements
of the different modules on which a given module is dependent. This
information also gives module dependencies on other modules as
shown by the arrows in FIG. 4.
The SILOAD library loading module also loads or runs a SILOOP.DLL
module 90 that is a wait for event loop. A set of modules 88
contains the list of files that are to be included to manage the
windows of a window display on the jukebox type terminal
monitor.
This list of objects is composed of: a "WPSCREEN.DJO" objects file
883 that defines the main page on the monitor, a "WSCREEN" objects
file 881 that is used to determine the number of screens available
and thus displays several windows or screens on this main page, a
"WIMAGE.DJO" objects file 880 that determines and defines the image
that it will use in the screen, a "WANIM.DJO" objects file 882 that
defines the animation when the image is animated, a "WBUTTON.DJO"
objects file 885 that defines and manages buttons that are used on
the main page screen such as the control buttons used in the
graphic interface defined in patent application PCT WO 96/12258, a
"WLABEL.DJO" objects file 884 that creates labels used to write on
an object; and a "WSCROLLER.DJO" objects file 886 that defines
vertically scrolling display areas.
A "JHANDLER" library is used to define fixed uses of screens and
therefore to determine which interfaces provide the link with the
different objects defined by the previous modules.
Module 86 in the "XCP" library is used to manage payment tasks such
as bank note reception systems or coin or smart card payment
devices, and also to save basic information in the IBUTTON which is
an integrated circuit for the storage of the user's secret
codes.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the system according to the
invention. According to prior art, each audiovisual reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n) communicates with the host server 10
through its telecommunication means, and for example a modem
connected to the telephone network 30. The host server 10 comprises
communication means 121, 111 for this purpose, for example such as
at least one modem connected to the telephone network. The host
server 10 also comprises a database 11 containing all information
about the operation of each audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n), in other words the operating parameters
for the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to
100.n), its identification number, the list of songs stored on the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), and
the operator responsible for management of the audiovisual
reproduction device(s) (100.1 to 100.n). The database also contains
statistics about the use of each audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), in other words the list of
songs played and the date on which each song was played, the list
and date of all incidents that occurred during the use of each
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n),
particularly when it was switched on, communication interruptions,
and the number of times that payment means refused the money input.
Similarly, the database comprises the list of available songs
stored in the host server memory means 10, the audiovisual
information necessary for reproduction of these songs, and the
configuration tools necessary to install the operating system for
each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n).
All the information contained in the database 11 is updated by
means of communications, for example periodic communications, with
each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n)
through the telephone network and modems for each audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) and the database
or the host server 10.
An example database 11 used in the management system according to
the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and
6A to 6F. All this information in the database 11 is stored in the
form of arrays. Each array contains information about a theme or
structure or particular function of the audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). Each item of
information is identified by an argument contained in an array in
the database 11. The information in one array may be linked to
another array. This link is established when at least one argument
is common to the two arrays.
According to the invention, the database 11 comprises at least one
first set of arrays (1101, FIGS. 5 and 6A and 6E) representing
information directly concerning the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), for example such as
its operating status (JUK_STATUS, FIG. 6A) or its identification
number (JUK_ID, FIG. 6A), or the available memory space
(JUK_AVAILABLE_SPACE, FIG. 6A). Each row in an array (1101)
represents information about an audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) identified in this
array by its identification number (JUK-ID, FIG. 6A).
This first set of arrays 1101 is related to at least one second set
of arrays (1102, FIGS. 5 and 6B and 6D) representing information
about hardware and software constituents that can be recentered on
an audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1). This or these second array(s) (1102, FIGS. 5 and 6C and
6D) comprise in particular the name (PGD_NAME, FIG. 6D) in the
program definition tables (PROGRM_DEF, FIG. 6D), or the name
(COD_ID, FIG. 6B), the version (PGM_VERSION, FIG. 6B) and the
installation date (PGM_RELEASE_DT, FIG. 6B) of each software or
hardware component, in the component table (COMPONENT, FIG. 6A),
the component definition table (COMPONENT_DEF, FIG. 6B), the
component upgrade table (COMPONENT_UPGRADE, FIG. 6B), and the
equipment table (FIRMWARE, FIG. 6B). Each table in the second
arrays (1102, FIG. 6B) corresponds to a software component or a
hardware component. The link between at least one table in a second
set of arrays (1102, FIG. 6A) and the first set of arrays (1101,
FIGS. 5 and 6A) is made using the number of the audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). Thus
using this link, it is possible to know all software and hardware
components of an audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1
to 100.n, FIG. 1) with a given number by searching in each second
set of arrays for the tables containing the audiovisual information
reproduction device number (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
The first set of arrays (1101, FIGS. 5, 6A and 6C) is also related
to a third set of arrays (1103, JUKE_XX, IB_XXX, FIGS. 6A and 6C)
representing information about the configuration of an audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). A first
group of tables (IB_XXX) in the third set of arrays (1103, FIG. 6A)
contains all operating parameters of the audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) and a second group of
tables (JUK_XXX) in the third set of arrays 1103 associates each
jukebox with a given set of parameters contained in a table in the
first group of parameters in the third set of arrays (1103,
IB_XXX). Operating parameters include parameters controlling the
volume of the amplifier defined for a jukebox in the table
(JUK_MIXAGE, FIG. 6A), and also parameters defined for all
jukeboxes in the (IB_MIXAGE, FIG. 6A) table or parameters about the
price to be paid (IB and JUK_TUNE_COST, FIG. 6C) for each song
selection, or telecommunication link parameters (JUK_ISP, FIG. 6C)
with the server (10, FIG. 1), or operating parameters for a remote
control if any for an audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). These parameters are defined for a
jukebox in the (JUK_REMOTE_CONTROL, FIG. 6C) table and all remote
control operating parameters for all jukeboxes are defined in the
(IB_REMOTE_CONTROL, FIG. 6C) table, an audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) being associated each
time with a table (JUK_TUNE_COST, IB_TUNE COST, JUK_REMOTE_CONTROL,
IB_REMOTE_CONTROL, FIG. 6C) in the third sets of arrays 1103. Each
row in a table stores operating parameters for an audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) with a
given number (JUK_ID, FIG. 6A). The link between first and third
sets of arrays 1103 may be made for example using the
identification number of an audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). Thus, the server 10 can find all
operating parameters of an audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) with a given number by using this
link, by searching in each third set of arrays 1103 for tables
containing the number (JUK_ID) of the determined audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), then
searching in the rows of these tables for the set of parameters
corresponding to the found reference. Similarly, the server can
update the information contained in the third set of arrays 1103
when a message is received from a jukebox. This is done by the
server processing the received message immediately that a jukebox
enters into communication with the server, in order to determine if
the information contained in the database needs to be updated. If
the message contains information about modifications to physical
parameters, the server adds a new table or replaces the value
supplied by the modifications in the row of the table concerned in
the third set of arrays 1103.
The first set of arrays (1101, FIGS. 5 and 6A) is also related to a
fourth set of arrays (1104, SONG, FIGS. 5 and 6A) representing
information about songs stored on the audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). Each song is
identified by a unique number (CLT_ID, FIG. 6A). Each row in a
table in the fourth set of arrays 1104 represents a song stored on
the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1) identified by its number (JUK_ID, FIG. 6A) at the beginning
of the table. The server can update information contained in the
fourth set of arrays 1104 when a message is received from a
jukebox. In order to do this, as soon as a jukebox sets up a
communication with the server, the server processes the received
message to determine if the message contains information specific
to the songs list, and to decide if the information contained in
the database needs to be updated. If the message contains
information about modifications to the list of songs contained in
the jukebox, the server then adds a new table if the jukebox had
not yet been registered, or modifies the row corresponding to the
received modifications in the table corresponding to the jukebox,
in other words either the deletion of one or several songs, or the
addition of one or several new songs in the list of songs available
on the jukebox.
A fifth set of arrays (1105, CATALOGUE, FIG. 6B) related to the
fourth set of arrays (1104, SONG, FIG. 6A) through the song
identification number (CLT_ID, FIG. 6A), comprises a description of
each song in the database. Each table in the fifth set of arrays
(1105, FIG. 6B) represents the description of a song in the
database 11. This fifth table 1105 in particular is used to
determine whether or not a song is available to be downloaded on an
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) at the request of an operator. In particular, a song is not
available unless agreements have been made about copying and
playing the song. If these agreements have not been made, the song
is present in the database but is not available for downloading to
a jukebox. The link between the first 1101 and the fourth 1104 sets
of arrays is made through the number (JUKE_ID, FIG. 6A) of the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1). Thus, the server can initially determine the identification
number (CTL_ID, FIG. 6A) of all songs stored in an audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) with a
given number. Then, secondly, the server can in particular
determine the name (CTL_SONG_NAME, FIG. 6B) of any song present on
the audiovisual information reproduction device (110.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1), determined by its number (JUK_ID), through the link
between the fourth 1104 and fifth 1105 sets of arrays.
The fourth set of arrays (1104, FIGS. 5 and 6A) is also related to
a sixth set of arrays (1106, FIG. 6B) representing information
about filters that an operator can use to prohibit downloading one
or several songs determined by special groups of tables. The song
(or songs) is identified by a first group of specific tables
identified by the identification number of the song(s)
(FLT_CATALOGUE, FIGS. 5 and 6B), or by a second group of specific
tables identified by the artist's identification number of the
song(s) (FLT_ARTIST, FIGS. 5 and 6B), or a third group of specific
tables identified by the identification number of the company that
published the song(s) (FLT_LABEL, FIGS. 5 and 6B), or by a fourth
group of specific tables identified by the identification number of
the category (FLT_CATEGORY, FIG. 6B) to which the song(s) belong.
Each group of tables in a sixth set of arrays 1106 represents a
given filter for a song, an artist, a disk publisher or a category.
One of the (JUK_FILTER, FIGS. 5 and 6B) tables in the sixth set of
arrays 1106 is also linked to the first set of arrays 1101 and
comprises the description (JUK_DESC, FIG. 6B) of the filter
assigned to each jukebox by the filter identification number
(JUF_ID) that is associated with the given jukebox identifier
(JUK_ID) in each table (JUKEBOX, 1101). The first array 1101 also
includes an argument corresponding to the filter number (JUF_ID).
Thus, the filter on a given jukebox is defined by searching in the
sixth set of arrays 1106 for the table(s) containing the (JUF_ID)
for the filter. Similarly, an operator can assign the same filter
number to one or several audiovisual information reproduction means
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
The first array (1101, FIGS. 5 and 6A) is also related to a seventh
array (1107, FIG. 6A) representing information about operators of
the audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1). In particular, this information comprises an operator
identifier (OPE_ID, FIG. 6A) in the tables (OPERATOR, FIG. 6A).
Each table in the eighth set of arrays 1108 corresponds to a given
operator. The relation between the first 1101 and the eighth 1108
sets of arrays is created using the operator's identifier and
passes through the (JUKEBOX_LOCATION, FIG. 6A) tables that contain
the (OPE_ID, JUK_ID, FIG. 6A) combination so that it is possible to
work backwards to the device. Thus, in particular this relation is
useful to determine the numbers of the audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) for which a specific
operator is responsible for the management.
The first set of arrays (1101, FIG. 6A) is also related to an
eighth set of arrays (1108, FIGS. 6A and 6E) representing
information about the log for an audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). This information
actually represents all events that take place on each audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) and
particularly, every time that a song is played, information is
entered in the jukebox and each jukebox puts itself into relation
with the server 10 at regular intervals in order to fill in a table
in an eighth set of arrays (1108, PLAY_LOG, FIG. 6A). Similarly,
every time that an amount of money is inserted into the audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), a new
item of information is entered in the jukebox and all this
information is received in another table (SYSTEM_LOG, FIG. 6A) in
the database 11 on the server 10 belonging to the eighth set of
arrays. In particular, the information collected in these tables is
used to calculate fees to be paid to the artist singing the songs,
and also to find out exactly what songs were played during a day, a
week or a given period, on a determined audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). For example,
information about fee calculations is centralized in a ninth set of
arrays 1109 related to the eighth set of arrays 1108.
The first set of arrays (1101, FIGS. 5 and 6A) is also related to a
tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6F) representing information about
instructions that will be sent to at least one determined
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1). At least one table (INSTRUCTION_DEF, FIG. 6F) in the tenth set
of arrays (1110, FIG. 6F) comprises a description of the
instructions. Similarly, the relation between the first set of
arrays 1101 and the tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6F) is made
using the identification number of the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). Thus, all
instructions intended for a determined audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) can be collected. For
example, these instructions may be an update to at least one
software (INS_SOFTWARE, FIG. 6F) installed on the audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1),
downloading of new songs (INS_CATALOGUE, INS_ALBUM, FIG. 6F)
ordered by the operator of the audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), a modification of the operating
parameters (INS_IBUTTON, FIG. 6F) of the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). This tenth set of
arrays 1110 is systematically read by the server 10 when an
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) sets up a communication with the server 10 in order to verify
whether or not the instructions stored in the eleventh tables 1111
are to be used by the audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) that has just set up a communication with
the server 10.
With reference to FIG. 1 according to the invention again, the
server also comprises an "Internet" site manager 12. The "Internet"
site is used to build up a number of screens using information from
the database so that an operator can use a computer 20, for example
a personal PC computer equipped with a modem 21 and an "Internet"
connection, to access functions available in these screens. In
particular, the various screens can be used firstly to view
information stored in the database 11 and related to the operation
of at least one audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1
to 100.n), and secondly to modify some settings of at least one
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n), and
thirdly to modify the list of songs on at least one audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n).
In order to do this, the "Internet" site manager 12 communicates
with the database 11, using requests so that the information
displayed on the screens corresponds to information in the database
11. Secondly, requests sent by the site manager 12 may be provided
to modify information in the database 11. For example, the requests
used will be in the SQL language.
The "Internet" site manager 12 operates as follows. The manager 12
communicates using the TCP/IP communication protocol specific to
Internet, with the server of an Internet service provider 14,
through communication means such as modems 121, 141 connected to
the telephone network. The service provider's server 14 enables an
operator to display screens built up by the site manager 12 on the
monitor of his computer 20, by sending a request to the manager 12
through the service provider's server 14 which replies by sending
the necessary messages to display the screen or the information
requested by the operator. Therefore, requests for information from
the operator are firstly transmitted to the service provider's
server 14, and are then sent to the manager 12 of the host server
site 10.
As soon as the operator accesses the "Internet" site through a
request sent to the service provider's server 14, a first screen
200 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the operator's computer monitor
20. The display of this screen 200 is preceded by a query sent by
the site manager 12 to the database 11. This query includes a
request for the identification numbers of all audiovisual
information reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n) managed by the
server 10. The database 11 processes this query by returning a list
of all requested identification numbers. This processing consists
of searching for the identification numbers of the audiovisual
information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n) for which the
identifier of the owner operator or renter of the audiovisual
information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n) corresponds to
the identifier of the operator who sent the request, by looking in
the first set of arrays 1101. The manager 12 then builds up the
first screen 200 by displaying the list obtained from the database
11 in a first window 201, that may for example be a popup window.
Similarly, a second window 203 may be used to display a welcome
message and/or information about the operator such as his address
and the total number of jukeboxes that he manages. Information
about the display on the screen 200 is then sent to the service
provider's server 14, and the service provider then transmits this
information to the operator's computer 20. Transfers of data
between the host server 10 and the access supplier's server 14, and
between the access supplier's server 14 and the operator's computer
20, may for example make use of modems 121, 141, 21, servers 10, 14
and the computer 20. The information received by the computer 20 is
then used to display the requested screen.
Subsequently, all selection or input operations made on screens and
displayed on the monitor 20 of the operator's computer are
translated into queries using the HTTP protocol through the TCP/IP
network to the service provider's server 14, and then to the site
manager 12. The manager 12 processes this query, possibly by
sending one or several queries to the database 11, for example in
the SQL language, to build up a screen representative of the reply
to the received query. This screen is then sent back to the
computer monitor 20 belonging to the operator through the telephone
network 30 and the service provider's server 14 using the HTTP
protocol.
The display of the first screen 200 may be preceded by the display
of a screen shown in FIG. 2B to authenticate the operator and to
limit operator access. This screen 410 comprises at least one input
area 411 to 413 in which the operator can input a password 412
and/or a user name 411. This screen 410 also comprises a selection
area 414 that triggers sending an identification query containing
elements input by the operator to the site manager 12. The site
manager 12 processes this request, firstly by verifying the
authenticity of elements input by the operator by comparing input
elements and memorized values. For example, this verification may
be made by viewing a selection of information contained in the
seventh array (1107, FIG. 6A) about the operator, renter or owner
of the audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to
100.n, FIG. 1). Secondly, the site manager 12 sends a query to the
database 11 containing the operator identification such that the
database 11 only collects the number of the audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) managed by the
identified operator.
The operator then chooses the first screen 200 in the window 201,
for example by selecting it using a pointer such as a mouse, or his
finger on a touch screen, to choose the number(s) of the
audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) that he wishes to view or for which he wants to change the
configuration. Once the selection has been made, the operator
validates the selection either by selecting a first selection area
202 in the first screen 200, or by double clicking on the required
jukebox number.
The first screen 200 and all other screens displayed by the
"Internet" site manager 12, include a toolbar 300, for example in
the upper part. This toolbar 300 comprises a number of selection
buttons 301 to 308 that, when selected, trigger the display of a
specific screen dedicated to carrying out the jukebox
administration functions described above, or initiates validation
of operations carried out on the current screen. Note that specific
screens are displayed as a function of the jukebox(es) selected by
the operator in the first window 209 in the first screen 200.
Thus, each selection button 301 to 308 in the toolbar 300 triggers
a distinct query being sent to the site manager 12, then from the
site manager 12 to the database 11. The query sent when the first
selection button 301 is pressed is processed by the database 11 to
collect settings for the selected audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n) related to the selected
jukebox installation. This information is then displayed in a third
screen 400 shown in FIG. 2C. A first window 401 in this screen 400
comprises in particular the location of the jukebox, the name of
the person responsible for the jukebox, and the type of music
played on the jukebox. For example, the music type may be "rock",
"country", "rhythm and blues", Latin music, "jazz", "alternative",
or music related to seasonal events (for example Christmas carols).
A second window 402 in the third screen 400 can be used to correct
or modify the location or the manager's name. Two selection fields
403, 404 are then used to validate 403 or cancel 404 the
modifications made. Selecting the validation field 403 will make
the site manager 12 send a query to the database 11. This query is
a modification query intended to update the data in the database 11
as a function of the input made by the operator on the third screen
400. When the database 12 receives this query, the database 11 also
creates a file containing the updated information.
Selecting a second button 302 in the toolbar 300 makes the site
manager 12 display a series of screens that the operator can use to
choose at least one song that will be downloaded onto the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) of his choice. This series of screens comprises a fourth screen
500 shown in FIG. 2D, enabling the operator to define a type of
song. The song category is selected by selecting one or more areas
(501.1 to 501.n) corresponding to the choice of the song type, for
example using a pointer. The fourth screen may include several
second fields (505.1 to 505.3) each defining the sort criterion for
songs corresponding to the chosen type. For example, songs can be
sorted by author 505.1, by album 505.2 or by song name 505.3.
Similarly, a third field 506 can be used to display only songs that
have been recently added into the database and that also satisfy
other selection criteria. In another alternative, a fourth field
502 is used to choose, select or input one or several words that
will be used to explore the songs database and to select songs in
which the word(s) will be included, either in the title or in the
name of the artist or in the title of an album.
The fourth screen 500 also comprises a selection area 503
triggering validation, and a selection area 504 triggering
cancellation of the choices made by the operator and triggers the
site manager 12 sending a query to the database 11. This query is
processed by the database 11 to collect the names of all songs
available in the database corresponding to selection criteria
previously defined by the operator. In particular, the available
songs are determined by reading the tables in the fifth set of
arrays (1105, FIG. 5). The list of song names thus collected is
transferred to the site manager 12 that generates the list of
available songs in the database 11, in other words songs that could
be downloaded later onto the audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n) and satisfying the selection criterion
chosen by the operator, into a popup window 507. For each song, the
displayed data may for example be the song title, the artist's
name, the title of the album from which the song was extracted,
and/or a song identification number. For example, a song may be
selected in the list in the first window by pointing at the
required song name to highlight it, the choice of the highlighted
song then being validated by pointing at a first selection area
508. Selection of this first selection area 508 triggers a
procedure by the site manager 12 which, for example, displays a
fifth screen 600 represented in FIG. 2E and displayed so that the
choice of selected songs can be confirmed. This fifth screen 600
may comprise, for example, several fields (601.1 to 601.4)
displaying the title 601.1 of the selected song, the title 601.2 of
the album, the name 601.3 of the artist and the type 601.4 of music
to which the song belongs. A first popup window 602 includes the
list of jukeboxes belonging to the operator. This window 602 is
used to choose the jukeboxes on which the song identified by the
fields (601.1 to 604.4) will be downloaded. For example, one or
more jukeboxes can be selected by pointing at the number of the
jukebox(es) required by the operator in a first window 602.
Selection of a first selection area 603 is a means of validating
the choice of jukeboxes, and a second selection area displays a
fourth screen again so that a new song can be selected.
In another variant, the query sent to the database 11 when the
operator's choice is validated is processed by the database to
collect the names of the songs most frequently played on the
operator's other jukeboxes and/or on all jukeboxes managed by the
server. Song names can also be selected respecting criteria chosen
or selected by the operator.
After information in the database 11 representing the number of
times each song has been played has been processed, a statistics
program can be used to process audio or video film playing
statistics and determine a classification, ignoring the type or
category of establishment, or considering the type or category of
establishment so that an operator of a similar category of
establishment can be offered a list defined as a function of the
classification. Thus, an operator with an establishment belonging
to a determined category of establishments can request that the
list of songs most frequently played on all jukeboxes installed in
establishments in the same category be displayed on his terminal.
As a non-restrictive example, the program performing this selection
of songs is a product recommendation tool marketed by the Net
Perception company.
Selection of the first selection area 603 triggers validation of
the purchase of the song displayed in fields (601.1 to 601.4) for
all jukeboxes highlighted in the first popup window 602 and makes
the manager 12 send a request to the database 11. Processing of
this query causes creation of a file containing the audiovisual
information necessary to reproduce the songs selected by the
operator on the audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1
to 100.n) chosen by the same operator. This file or the information
contained in it, is memorized and will be downloaded on the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) concerned by the update as soon as this device sets up a
telephone communication with the host server (10, FIG. 1).
Downloading this file or information on audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) causes the list of
songs available on the audiovisual information reproduction devices
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) to be updated, and also enables
reproduction of songs corresponding to the audiovisual information
contained in the file, on these audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). For example, the
information corresponding to this file is contained in one of the
tables in the tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6C) in the database
11. The next time that the audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) sets up a communication with the
server 11, the server verifies in the tables in the tenth set of
arrays (1110, FIG. 6C) to see if the instructions are intended for
the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1) concerned. If so, the server 10 builds up a command file
from the information contained in the corresponding table in the
tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6C) associated with the jukebox,
and the server 10 then downloads this file to the audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
In another variant embodiment of the invention, the songs ordered
by the operator are not downloaded directly to the audiovisual
information reproduction system(s) chosen by the operator, but are
stored on a recordable optical medium such as a CD-ROM. The CD-ROM
is then engraved with the audiovisual information corresponding to
the songs chosen by the operator. The system according to the
invention comprises a CD-ROM engraving system (not shown) for this
purpose. Once the CD-ROM has been engraved, it is then sent, for
example by mail, to the operator who can use it to update the
audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) that he manages. In order to limit the number of copies of the
CD-ROM, the engraved information comprises the identification
number of the audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1
to 100.n, FIG. 1) on which the copy is authorized. The CD-ROM
cannot be used unless a CD-ROM player is installed on each
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1). During the operation to copy information contained on the
CD-ROM, the operating system in the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) compares the
identification numbers contained on the CD-ROM and the
identification number of the audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). If any of these numbers
corresponds, the copy is made. If not, the copy is refused and the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) may for example put itself out of service and setup
communication with the server 10 to solve the problem. The choice
between downloading songs or recording songs on a CD-ROM is made by
selecting a fourth selection field (not shown) on the seventh
screen or by displaying a special screen (not shown) after the
operator has validated his choice of songs. This screen then
comprises at least one selection area that can be used to choose
between downloading or copying onto CD-ROM. In all cases, songs are
compressed into the MPEG format and are encrypted and remain
encrypted until they are executed on an audiovisual information
reproduction device.
Copying on a CD-ROM is particularly useful when the operator would
like to purchase a large number of songs and he wants to copy these
songs onto several audiovisual information reproduction systems
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). Downloading a large quantity of
information can take a very long time and therefore be expensive in
terms of telephone communications. Furthermore, when the
communication takes a long time, there is an increased risk of an
interruption and consequently all or part of the downloading will
have to be restarted. This type of process can also be used for
individuals acting as operators and ordering either by downloading
or by an engraved CD-ROM, to obtain a selection of audiovisual
tracks that remains encrypted depending on the identifier of the
individual associated with the reproduction equipment and that can
only be executed and decrypted when they are played on domestic
devices like those described in the international patent
application WO 96/12259 filed by the applicant and comprising
decryption means using an identifier stored on the domestic device
or in an associated device to decrypt the tracks.
The CD-ROM may be replaced by any portable magnetic or optical
recording medium with an equivalent or greater capacity, for
example such as a solid state electronic memory, for example a
semi-conductor based.
Similarly, according to the process described above, the operator
can create a hard disk in advance on which a list of required songs
chosen by the operator is selected in advance, before a new jukebox
is installed. When the jukebox is installed, the hard disk
containing all chosen songs will be installed on the jukebox to
form the mass memory means for the jukebox and the list of songs
available on this jukebox.
Selection of the third button 303 in the toolbar 300 will cause a
query to be sent towards the "Internet" site manager 12. The query
is sent when the third selection button 303 is selected and is
processed by the database 11 to collect the selected parameters for
the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1) concerning information about the use of the jukebox chosen
by the operator. This information is displayed in a series of
fields (701.1 to 701.7) in the screen 700 shown in FIG. 2F. For
example, a first field 701.1) indicates the date of the last call
from the jukebox. A second field 701.2 indicates the execution
status of the last call from the jukebox, in other words whether or
not the call was successfully completed. A third field 701.3
indicates the operating state of the jukebox coin collector, if
there is one. A fourth field 701.4 indicates the rejection rate of
the coin collector. A fifth field 701.5 indicates the operating
state of a jukebox bank note collector, if there is one. A sixth
field 701.6 indicates the rejection rate of the bank note
collector. A seventh field 701.7 indicates the date of the last
maintenance or update operation of the jukebox.
A first popup window 702 on the sixth screen displays the list of
songs to be downloaded on the jukebox. Selecting a first selection
area 703 is a means of deleting one or several songs in the list
and selected by the operator. A second popup window 704 on the
sixth screen displays the list of songs that are to be deleted from
the list of songs available on the jukebox. Selecting a second
selection area 705 cancels the operation to delete one or several
songs that the operator had previously selected. All information
used to generate lists of songs displayed in the first and second
popup windows 702, 704 in the sixth screen 700 is collected by the
"Internet" site manager 12 in the database 11 on the server 10.
The "Internet" site manager 12 also displays information about
usage statistics for an audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). For example, this display is triggered by
selecting a fourth button 304 on the toolbar 300. Selecting a
fourth button 304 causes the site manager 12 to send a query to the
database. This query interrogates the database 11 about information
related to usage statistics. The database 11 processes this request
by collecting information of the type corresponding to the selected
area. The collected information is displayed in a seventh screen
800 shown in FIG. 2G comprising several fields (801.1 to 801.3)
each corresponding to a type of information. As a non-restrictive
example, a first field 801.1 could correspond to the date of the
last time that the coin collector and/or note collector on the
jukebox was initialized. A second field 801.2 shows the amount of
money put into the jukebox since the last time it was initialized.
A third field 801.3 shows the amount of money put into the jukebox
during the current week. The list of the 100 most frequently played
songs on the jukebox (for example) is displayed in a first popup
window 802 in the seventh screen 800. The list of the 100 least
frequently played songs on the jukebox (for example) is displayed
in a second popup window 803. A first selection area 804 is used to
validate deletion of songs previously selected in the second window
803. The operator can use a second area 805 to cancel the choices
that he had made of songs to be deleted. Selecting the first area
104 triggers validation of all choices made by the operator to
delete songs and causes the site manager 12 to send a request to
the database 11. This is a modifications query intended to update
the data in the base 11 as a function of choices made by the
operator on the seventh screen 800. When the database 12 receives
this query, the database 11 also creates a file containing update
information. This file or the information contained in this file is
stored and will be downloaded onto the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned by the
update as soon as it sets up a telephone communication with the
host server 10. Downloading this file or this information onto the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) will cause an update to the list of songs available on the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) concerned in accordance with the operator's choice. For example,
the information corresponding to this file is contained in one of
the tables in the fourth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6C) in the
database 11. The first time that the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned sets up a
communication with the server 10, the server checks in the tables
in the tenth set of arrays (1111, FIG. 6C) to see if the
instructions are intended for the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned. If so, the
server 10 builds up a command file using the information contained
in the table in the corresponding tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG.
6C), then the server 10 downloads this file to the audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
The songs to be deleted are erased from the memory means in the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1).
The query sent when the fifth button 305 on the selection toolbar
300 is processed by the database 11 to collect the selected
parameters from the audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerning the amount of money to be paid
by the user of the audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), so that he can select at least one song
on the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1). Similarly, volume adjustment parameters on the jukebox may
also be collected. These parameters are then sent to the site
manager 12 who then generates an eighth screen 900 shown in FIG.
2H, and containing a number of input areas (901, 902, 9111, 9121,
913, 914). A first series 901 of areas is used for the display of a
price corresponding to the amount to be paid to select a given
number of songs. This number is displayed in an area in a second
series 902 of areas. The operator can modify each amount and each
number of songs by pointing in the required input area. The eighth
screen 900 also comprises third input areas (911.1 to 911.3) in
which the operator can choose, select or enter sound volumes, and a
fourth (912.1 to 912.3) input area in which the operator can
control the jukebox bass and treble. A fifth area 913 is used to
activate or deactivate a microphone that can be used with the
jukebox and a sixth area 914 enables the operator to choose, select
or enter the microphone sound volume. Finally, a seventh area 915
is used to activate or deactivate an auxiliary source and an eighth
area 916 is used to select, choose or input the sound volume of
this source.
The operator may, for example, validate all his inputs by selecting
a first button 920, or he may cancel his inputs by selecting a
second 921 button. Selecting the first cancellation button 920
cancels all choices, selections or inputs made by the operator who
can then choose, select or input new parameters. Selecting the
second validation button 921 makes the site manager 12 send a query
to the database 11. This query requests modifications to update
data in the base 11 as a function of input made by the operator on
the eighth screen 900. When the database 12 receives this query, a
file is also created in the database 11 containing update
information. This file or the information contained in this file is
stored and will be downloaded on the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned by the
update, as soon as the device sets up a telephone communication
with the host server 10. Downloading this file or this information
onto the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to
100.n, FIG. 1) will update the statuses of the particular functions
of the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n,
FIG. 1) concerned in accordance with the operator's choice. The
information corresponding to this file may, for example, be
contained in one of the tables in the tenth set of arrays (1110,
FIG. 6F) in the database 11. The next time that the audiovisual
information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned
communicates with the server 10, the server checks in the tables in
the tenth set of arrays (1111, FIG. 6F) to see if the instructions
are intended for the audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned. If they are, the server 10
builds up a command file starting from information contained in the
corresponding table in the tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6F),
then the server downloads this file to the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
In one variant embodiment, selecting a sixth button 306 in the
toolbar 300 will display a ninth screen 1000 used to summarize all
modifications that were made by the operator during the current
connection. In order to do this, the ninth screen 1000 comprises a
display window 1001, for example for each jukebox separately,
displaying all modifications made. Thus, the operator can ensure
that the modifications are conform with his requirements. This
screen 1000 comprises a first selection area 1002 used to cancel
the modifications, and a second selection area 1003 used to
validate the modifications. In this variant embodiment, all queries
sent to the "Internet" site manager 12 are sent during this final
validation and not during selection of a particular area on each
screen as described above.
Selecting a seventh button 307 on the toolbar 30 causes the site
manager 12 to send a query to the database 11. This is an
interrogation query which is processed by the database 11 to
collect information about activation and deactivation of particular
functions of the selected audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1). For example, this information is
collected in at least one of the third arrays (1103, FIGS. 6B and
6C) in the database 11. Once this information has been collected,
the database 11 replies to the query from the site manager 12 that
then builds up a tenth screen 1010 represented in FIG. 2J and
containing a number of input areas (1011.1 to 1011.5) used to
control activating or deactivating a particular function in the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1). A first function consists of deciding whether or not to
authorize the use of a remote control to control operation of the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1). A second function consists of authorizing or not authorizing
skipping over the song that is currently being played. A third
function consists of authorizing or not authorizing successive
repetition of the same song. A fourth function consists of
authorizing or not authorizing the use of free credits on the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1).
The operator can modify the status of each function by modifying
the display of input areas (1011.1 to 1011.5). The tenth screen
1010 also contains an area 1013 that cancels the modifications made
and a selection area 1012 that validates the modifications made and
will cause the site manager 12 to send a modification request to
the database 11. When the database 12 receives this request, the
information about the status of particular functions of the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) will be updated, and the database 11 will also create a file
containing update information. This file and the information
contained in it, are stored and will be downloaded to the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) concerned by the update as soon as the audiovisual information
reproduction device sets up a telephone communication with the host
server 10. Downloading this file or information onto the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) causes the statuses of the particular functions of the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) to be updated in accordance with the operator's choice. For
example, the information corresponding to this file is contained in
one of the tables in the tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 5) in the
database 11. The next time that the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) sets up a
communication with the server 11, this server checks in the tables
in the tenth set of arrays (1110, FIG. 6F) to see if the
instructions are intended for the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned. If so, the
server 10 builds up a command file starting from information
contained in a corresponding table in the tenth set of arrays
(1110, FIG. 6C), then the server 10 downloads this file to the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) concerned.
Selecting an eighth button 308 in the toolbar 300 makes the site
manager 12 display an eleventh screen (not shown). This eleventh
screen comprises a number of windows that the operator uses to
define a basic configuration for all or some of the selected
audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n). In
particular, the various areas are used to define the type of
graphic interface that will be displayed on the audiovisual
information reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1), and
operating parameters that will be installed by default on the
selected audiovisual information reproduction systems (100.1 to
100.n, FIG. 1), such as the times at which the modem in the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) will be available for making communications between the
audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG.
1) and the server 10. The eleventh screen also comprises a
selection area that validates the information input on the eleventh
screen and triggers the creation and then sending a request from
the site manager 12 to the database 12. This request includes all
information input by the operator on the eleventh screen. When the
database 11 processes this request, an update file is created. This
file or the information contained in it is memorized and will be
downloaded on the audiovisual information reproduction systems
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) concerned by the update as soon as the
audiovisual information reproduction system sets up a
telecommunication with the host server 10. Similarly, this file or
information will be downloaded onto a new audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) managed by the
operator the first time that the audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) gets into
communication with the host server 10. Downloading this file or
information onto an audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) will cause its configuration and operating
parameters to be updated in accordance with the configuration
defined by the operator on the eleventh screen. For example, the
information corresponding to this file may be contained in one of
the tenth arrays (1110, FIG. 6F) in the database 11. The next time
that the audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to
100.n, FIG. 1) gets into communication with the server 11, this
server reads the tenth tables (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) to determine
if the instructions are intended for the audiovisual information
reproduction device (1110, FIG. 5). If they are, the server 10
builds up a command file making use of the information contained in
the corresponding tenth arrays (1110, FIG. 6C), then the server 10
downloads this file to the audiovisual information reproduction
device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
When the operator selects several audiovisual information
reproduction systems (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) when the first screen
200 is displayed, either the screens described above will be
displayed for each audiovisual information reproduction device
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) in the selection, or the update operations
will be used for all audiovisual information reproduction systems
(100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1) in the selection. For example, the choice
between one of these possibilities can be made by displaying
additional screens (not shown) asking the operator to input the
numbers of the audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1
to 100.n) to which the updates that have just been validated should
be applied.
In general, management operations for audiovisual information
reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n) or operations for displaying
information about the use of audiovisual information reproduction
devices (100.1 to 100.n) made through different screens displayed
by the "Internet" site manager 12 correspond at least to management
and display operations available on each audiovisual information
reproduction device (100.1 to 100.n, FIG. 1).
It can easily be seen that the system according to the invention
facilitates all management and configuration operations carried out
by operators on audiovisual information reproduction systems (100.1
to 100.n, FIG. 1). The operator no longer needs to visit the site
on which each audiovisual information reproduction device (100.1 to
100.n, FIG. 1) is located. Similarly, when an operator manages
several audiovisual information reproduction systems (100.1 to
100.n, FIG. 1) simultaneously, he can reconfigure all or some of
his audiovisual information reproduction devices (100.1 to 100.n)
in a single manipulation.
It is obvious that other changes that could be made by experts in
the subject would lie within the framework of the invention.
* * * * *
References